Black Belt (2nd Dan):
Same requirements as 1st Dan Black Belt with the following additions:
Forms: IL, Ee, Sam, Sa, O, Yuk, Chil, Pal, Koryo, Keum-Gang
1. Minimum time-in-grade of 2 years. Student must be actively and regularly involved in classes for the entire 2 years.
2. While tournament competition is not required, tournament participation is expected. Contribution to the tournament can be as a competitor, official or both. A minimum of 2 tournaments a year is expected. You are required to take the AAU Official’s Certification Clinic.
3. Chose an area of martial arts in which you would like to become an expert. While you will not be expected to become an expert in your selected choice in 2 years, you must have made a choice and outlined how you will achieve your goal. Some suggestions for possible choice are listed below:
a. Weapons. While you may chose any weapon you want, I feel the Bo or staff is the best weapon to learn as this is a weapon that can be carried and used legally anywhere (ie., a broom, pool cue, cane, etc). Knowledge should include history of weapon, care of weapon, use of weapon in self defenses, and at least one form using weapon.
b. Martial Arts History. This would include a complete history of martial arts, but with emphasis on Tae Kwon Do. Besides past history, you would be expected to keep abreast of the current history of Tae Kwon Do.
c. Korean Language. This would mainly include the Korean terminology for all of the techniques. It would also include common Korean phrases such as counting, sparring terms, and common courtesy phrases such as hello, thank you, nice to meet you, etc. Also etiquette courtesies such as bowing, shaking hands, etc.
d. Refereeing. This would require being certified in the AAU and officiating at least at two events.
e. Coaching. This would involve being certified in the AAU officials program. You would coach not only our students, but be available on the floor all day for other competitors who do not have a coach. It would also require taking a coaches course such as AAU or reading coaching books to advice others how to be a good coach.
f. Musical forms. This would involve going to Karate tournaments that have musical forms competitions to develop and idea of what it takes to create a great musical form. You would be expected to create at least 2 musical forms and compete with at least one of them at a tournament or demonstration.
g. Learn another martial art. This would involve either taking instruction under another style or reading books and watching videos to learn the style. Possible choices would be Tai Chi, Yoga, Aikido, Judo, etc.
h. Develop a children’s program. Develop warm-ups, games, drills, and self-defenses just for kids. When perfected you would be expected to start a kids program at the center.
i. Become active in the AAU program at the national level. This would involve taking a position at the local level and attending national events such as the convention. This would involve taking an active role in the political aspect of the program.
j. If you are an over-achiever, you can choose more than one area as your area of expertise. You are not limited to the suggestions above. If you have another area you would like to develop as your area of expertise, it must first be approved.
5. Submit an essay with your request to test for 2nd Dan.
a. History of events attended as 1st Dan
b. Outline your progress on choosing your area of expertise
c. What has it meant to you to be a 1st Dan
d. What are your goals for the next 3 years
e. What is your favorite part of the weekly classes and what is your least favorite part and why.
f. So many people who make it to Black Belt drop out soon after achieving their 1st Dan. What kept you involved?
6. You will be required to take a test. Your age will determine whether the test concentrates on being more physical or mental. The test will consist of Techniques, Forms 1-10, 45 Timing Drills and 100 Self Defenses, as well as several questions about teaching techniques, etc. The test will also require 4 board breaks (sign of cross). The age break is up to age 30, the test will be mostly physical. From age 31 – 45, the test will be a combination of physical and mental. After age 45, the test will be partly physical, but mostly mental. Mental situations would include how to handle certain class situations or students, explain certain techniques, give a brief seminar on something pertaining to martial arts, etc. If you choose to do a physical test after age 45 and you are testing with younger students, you will not be required to do the same amount of techniques.